Lydia Bell

Art and Design - BA (Hons)

Altered State of Consciousness

Lydia Bell is a final year BA (Hons) Art and Design student and Birmingham-based artist.

GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR PROJECT

I am inviting viewers to embark on a journey of perception and witness the vibrant, otherworldly realms, inspired by the profound experiences induced by psychedelics and their altered states of consciousness. I work mainly with oils and acrylics, as this allows for more movement and texture to be captured in the brushstrokes. I also experiments in print, projections, and graphic design for an immersive experience to transcend your mind.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CONCEPT?

I started to explore the ideas of Near-Death Experiences and the similarities to drug trips for my dissertation. I drew ideas from exploring how fluidity comes across during these experiences. I explored artists using drugs compared to art based on drugs, and the distinction between the two.

WHAT PROCESSES HAVE YOU BEEN USING?

I worked large scale, overlapping a projected animation, allowing for more detail to be seen and to have a greater effect on the viewer’s consciousness.  I created the acrylic printed zine using a gel press, which showed detailed brushstrokes, allowing me to add layers of colours and texture to the art on a smaller scale.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE WITH YOUR PROJECT?

My exploration of psychedelics and near-death experiences has resulted in an accumulation of work that both challenges and inspires to venture to another realm. By embracing a multi-sensory approach, experimenting with different mediums, and drawing from a wide range of influences, I created a narrative that resonates with the mystery and wonder of these profound encounters.

HOW HAS YOUR COURSE HELPED YOU TO PREPARE FOR WORKING ON YOUR PROJECT?

I have loved being able to showcase my work at the monthly School of Art Night School, and it's allowed me to experiment with curating my pieces.